Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) engages in routine maintenance efforts to prevent maintenance and mold concerns. Buildings and residence hall rooms are inspected multiple times per year. If you believe that you have mold in your on-campus living space, we recommend that you complete a maintenance request so that REHS is notified and can respond. REHS will respond to reports of mold following industry best practices established by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
What causes mold to grow?
Mold is a part of the natural environment that aids in the decomposition of leaves, trees, and other natural outdoor organic materials. Individual mold spores are invisible to the human eye and are continually floating around outside in nature. However, when those spores make their way into the indoors and are exposed to wet/humid areas they can begin to grow or colonize. It is impossible to eliminate mold and mold spores in the indoor environment due to the ingress and egress of daily human activity being carried in on clothing, shoes, and backpacks.
Mold is found almost everywhere and can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, insulation, ceiling tiles, clothing, and painted walls as long as moisture and oxygen are present. Mold needs water/moisture to grow, therefore maintaining indoor moisture and humidity levels between 30-60 percent will reduce the likelihood of indoor mold growth. Controlling humidity in large, heavily populated buildings is difficult, especially in hot humid weather.
Where is mold and mildew found?
Molds come in a variety of colors, including white, which is sometimes seen on a damp carpet; pink, which is often found on shower walls not cleaned regularly; and darkly pigmented, which is often seen around windowsills as a result of condensation. Given a source of moisture, mold can grow just about anywhere. Moisture control, air circulation and good housekeeping practices are necessary to control mold growth.
If you see a little pink substance around the bottom of your shower curtain, a little black substance on your windowsill or other possible mold growth, don’t panic. Mold or mildew growth is generally not a cause for concern unless you have been identified as someone with asthma or severe allergic reactions to mold.
To prevent further growth, clean the area with hot soapy water or use one of the many quaternary-ammonium based cleaners commonly available as soon as you see the first signs of mold or mildew. Do not use household bleach.
Check the area to determine if the housekeeping practices listed above are not being followed or should be improved. Not following these guidelines may cause excess moisture to build up inside residential spaces and lead to the growth of mold or mildew.
Keep in mind that cleaning just once will not result in never having to clean that same area again. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent mold.
Are there state or national regulations regarding mold?
There are no federal or state regulations governing the presence of mold or mold spores in buildings. There are also no health standards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or public health departments for concentrations of mold spores in the indoor air. The presence of visible mold on indoor building materials should be remediated.
Read more on mold testing or sampling from the EPA.
Why not conduct mold testing?
Mold testing is not recommended in many cases. Instead, careful detailed visual inspection and recognition of moldy odors should be used to find problems needing correction. Efforts should focus on areas where there are signs of moisture or water vapor (humidity) or where moisture problems are suspected. The investigation goals should be to locate indoor mold growth to determine how to correct the moisture problem and remove contamination safely and effectively.
The Michigan State University Environmental Health and Safety Department, as well as the CDC and EPA, do NOT recommend testing as there are no exposure-based standards to use for evaluation of the sampling results.
How does mold spread?
Air circulation in a building varies throughout the day and depends on the level of activity in that space. Mold spores are always present in both the indoor and outdoor environment and can be carried in on clothing, backpacks, shoes, etc.
Is it safe for me to stay in my residence hall that currently has mold?
In most cases, the answer is yes. According to federal health and safety agencies, mold growth is commonly found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Therefore, varying levels of mold are all around us at all times.
How does mold affect people?
Some people are sensitive to mold and may experience short-term or acute reactions in the presence of mold growth. Symptoms associated with mold exposure are not unique and cannot be readily distinguished from symptoms caused by other medical conditions, such as the common cold or seasonal environmental allergies.
We recommend that you see your health care provider if you experience any health concerns.
What will be done if there is mold found in my living space?
A qualified team of staff members from MSU responds to work orders. Staff will knock, enter, and conduct a thorough visual inspection of furniture, wall, closets, and fan coil units to check for any evidence of mold growth or other concerns, as well as meter surfaces for moisture. If moisture or mold growth is found, staff will take appropriate steps to clean or remediate per MSU Response Guidelines.
Measures will be taken to thoroughly clean and dry the area affected. This work may be completed by REHS and/or an outside contractor specializing in water cleanup and restoration. If necessary, dehumidifiers, fans and/or air purifiers will be placed in the living space and will need to remain operational until they are removed to enhance the drying process to prevent future mold growth. Staff will return to check regularly on the progress until the situation has been resolved and may instruct residents in ways to assist in that process.
In some cases, students may be relocated within the building to an open room for a few days to allow for proper remediation. Due to the unique circumstances around each situation, cases are managed independently with communication managed by the community director.
What if there is no mold found in my living space, but I am still concerned?
All residents are strongly encouraged to seek medical consultation from MSU Health Services. Health professionals are the best source for medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms of illness and can direct additional follow-up as appropriate.
What can I do to prevent or limit mold and mildew growth?
- Clean your room and bathroom (if applicable) regularly, including disposing of trash frequently.
- If applicable, clean your air conditioning unit regularly.
- If in a suite-style bathroom:
- Allow time between showers, and when possible, leave your own bathroom door cracked during showers, to allow more airflow and reduce moisture that can lead to mildew and mold growth.
- If you notice mildew or mold, clean using a safe cleaner, such as vinegar or a non-bleach bathroom cleaner, rather than bleach.
